Global Champion Emerges! The 24th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students Successfully Held

On August 24, the global final of the 24th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students was successfully held in Pingtan, Fujian. EVA-ANNE KIRST from Germany won the title of global champion, bringing a successful conclusion to this international Chinese language event.

Since the overseas preliminary rounds began in February of this year, the competition has attracted over 50,000 university students from 141 countries. Ultimately, 155 contestants from 134 countries and regions, along with 131 observers, were invited to China to participate in and observe the global final. The global finals took place from August 6 in Beijing and Fujian, involving layers of selection through “bridge points matches,” quarter-finals, and semi-finals. Contestants such as WALINDA BIANGLAEKU from Thailand, OLA SHERIEF MOHAMED HASSAN ABDOU from Egypt, EVA-ANNE KIRST from Germany, ASHLEY DEBORAH BREINHOLT from the United States, and AVA TESS GIBBONS from Australia emerged as champions from five continents, standing on the global final stage.

The final round began with a short film that provided a panoramic review of contestants’ cultural study journeys in various locations in Beijing and Fujian, vividly showcasing scenes of cross-temporal communication. Accompanied by the enthusiastic melody of the theme song Dreams Set Sail, the five continental champions, along with the top thirty contestants from each continent, waved their national flags as they took the stage one by one. With a powerful declaration of participation, they displayed their youthful spirit. The exclusive “Dreamship” airship of the “Chinese Bridge” then ascended into the sky, instantly igniting the enthusiasm of the audience, officially kicking off the peak competition.

This year’s final introduced an innovative five-round competition format that comprehensively assessed contestants’ language skills, critical thinking, and artistic creativity.

The first round, “Creating a Beautiful Future Together,” featured mandatory questions based on five cross-disciplinary performance shows that integrated humanities, arts, and smart technology. The performances included a collaboration between a world champion in Tai Chi and the African champion MOHAMED DAIR / MOUNCHILI of the 20th “Chinese Bridge” competition, showcasing a blend of Tai Chi and rap rhythms in “Tai Chi Power.” Chief Scientist Lin Zhanxi from the National Mushroom Grass Engineering Technology Research Center shared the story of “Happy Grass” growing worldwide alongside his international students. The five continental champions shared their immersive experiences of Fuzhou’s diverse culture through video. A robotic arm waved flags during a Peking opera performance by BAIDAK MELISSA, a popular contestant from the 19th “Chinese Bridge” competition. Contestants YASMINE EL MEZOUARI EL GLAOUI, NOMENJANAHARY ROCHELLINAH RAÏCHA, and MARIAMI KHUTCHUA, dressed in traditional costumes of the three famous fishing women of Fujian, performed a musical interpretation of the Maritime Silk Road civilization. Contestants were required to answer questions based on these scenarios, including understanding classical poetry, semantic analysis, idiom usage, and Chinese character writing.

In the second round, “Witty Words and Laughter from All Directions,” contestants delivered 120-second stand-up performances on hot topics, with judges scoring based on language use, content, and emotional impact. Thai contestant WALINDA BIANGLAEKU’s performance resonated with the audience.

Interestingly, Egyptian contestant Marlon, a participant from a past edition of the “Chinese Bridge”, brought two cherished notebooks from his Chinese studies, emotionally recounting his journey with the language.

In the third round, “Exploring China through Poetry,” BAKKER, BRENDAN ANTON, a popular contestant from the 22nd “Chinese Bridge” competition, served as the host. Five contestants combined classical poetry with their talents, with judges evaluating artistic expression and technical skill.

The fourth round, “New Talents Debating,” featured contestants debating “The Intersection of Civilization: Commonality and Uniqueness,” with German contestant EVA-ANNE KIRST demonstrating clear logic and critical thinking.

After four rounds of competition, American contestant ASHLEY DEBORAH BREINHOLT and German contestant EVA-ANNE KIRST advanced to the fifth round, “The Ultimate Showdown.” Through a series of 20 rapid-fire questions, EVA-ANNE KIRST ultimately stood out, claiming the title of overall champion for this year’s event.

The judging panel for the global final was diverse and professional, including Zhao Yang, Dean and Professor at Peking University’s School of Chinese as a Foreign Language, David Symington, Chief Expert at New Channel International Education Group’s Oxford and Cambridge Studio, and renowned writer Su Qin.

This event was guided by the Ministry of Education and the Fujian Provincial Government, hosted by the Center for Language Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education, supported by the Fujian Provincial Department of Education, and organized by the Fujian Broadcasting and Television Group, Fujian China Travel Service Co., Ltd., and Fujian Broadcasting and Television Cultural Media Co., Ltd., with assistance from the People’s Governments of Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Nanping, and the Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone.（By Guyu）